Valesky explains pact with Republicans

Senator David Valesky, D-49, held a public live chat on the Syracuse Post Standard website to answer questions concerning the Independent Democratic Conference's recent deal to join forces with Republicans to form a majority coalition in the state Senate.

Valesky said the five Democrats made the move in the hopes of creating bipartisan legislation. While it will side with the GOP on many issues, he hopes it will aid the state in moving forward on traditional Democratic issues, such as increasing minimum wage.

The Oneida Democrat answered a handful of questions, but the most prevalent issue surrounded education finance inequality. Valesky was asked by a couple of people what the IDC would do.

"The IDC intends to play a serious leadership role in this and all issues, and I will continue to stand up for school districts in my Senate district and challenge any delegation from anywhere in the state regarding fairness in the school aid formula," Valesky said. "I have long been a supporter of fair and equitable funding for school districts in Madison County and throughout Central New York. We need to aggressively pursue fairness in school aid funding and I will continue to work closely with my IDC colleagues and my Republican colleagues here in Central New York to achieve results."

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Another issue that was touched on repeatedly was campaign finance reform, which Valesky said the IDC supports.

"Campaign finance reform, from lowering contribution limits to strengthening enforcement powers against election law-breakers, and more, must be addressed in this upcoming session," said Valesky.

Users also asked Valesky about the nature of the IDC and what its purpose was. Here are some of the senator's responses.

"The IDC, which was formed almost two years ago now, has never been an 'exclusive club'," Valesky said. "Senators who are serious about governing and putting policy ahead of partisanship are most welcome! It is in this spirit that the four original members were happy to welcome Senator Malcolm Smith to the IDC."

"The IDC is certainly open to speaking with any senator who puts policy above partisan politics."

Some chatters questioned the move, asking how siding with Republicans would further Democratic legislation. Valesky responded several times, using the example of the marriage equality bill, which failed to pass the Senate when it was under Democratic control. He said that the IDC has more interest in reaching across the aisle on important issues than the Senate Democrats do.

"While the IDC legislative agenda may mirror the agenda of the Senate Democrats in some ways, the dysfunction and chaos surrounding the Senate only a few years ago is something that must not be repeated," Valesky said. "A functional Senate, which we have seen the past two sessions with the IDC working informally with the Senate Republicans, can best be accomplished through this bipartisan coalition majority."

"There is no question that for a Majority Coalition to work, trust between the IDC and Republicans in general, and between Senators Klein and Skelos in particular, is paramount," said Valesky. "I am convinced that a level of trust exists based on the results of the past two years of working together to produce on-time budgets, reign in out of control state spending, providing tax relief for our constituents, creating a more business friendly environment to retain and attract jobs."